What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hawthorne University Witch Series #3
The Hawthorne Witch
Sometimes I'd rather shield my eyes than see darkness in light.
It was my senior year at Hawthorne University when everything fell apart. I mean, all my witch friends got along fine—sort of. But I was nervous about my love life. I just had to get into Hawthorne’s graduate program, because my boyfriend was going to be a professor. I didn’t want to lose him. I didn’t want to lose anyone.
And things got weirder. A witch was in danger of sacrificial murder. Another witch spent all day murmuring to herself, in the center of a circle of candles, on a pentagram she painted in her dorm room. It all pointed to the wicked witch of the Abaddon coven. If I was right, it might just take a full-fledged witch showdown to stop her.
So? Bring it on. What did I have to lose? Just everyone I love. And maybe my soul.
It was my senior year at Hawthorne University when everything fell apart. I mean, all my witch friends got along fine—sort of. But I was nervous about my love life. I just had to get into Hawthorne’s graduate program, because my boyfriend was going to be a professor. I didn’t want to lose him. I didn’t want to lose anyone.
And things got weirder. A witch was in danger of sacrificial murder. Another witch spent all day murmuring to herself, in the center of a circle of candles, on a pentagram she painted in her dorm room. It all pointed to the wicked witch of the Abaddon coven. If I was right, it might just take a full-fledged witch showdown to stop her.
So? Bring it on. What did I have to lose? Just everyone I love. And maybe my soul.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2020
10 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Hawke
36 books757 followersA.L. Hawke is the author of the bestselling Hawthorne University Witch series. The author lives in Southern California torching the midnight candle over lovers against a backdrop of machines, nymphs, magic, spice and mayhem. A.L. Hawke writes fantasy and romance spanning four thousand years, from pre-civilization to contemporary and beyond.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 25, 2020
The Hawthorne Witch (The Hawthorne University Witch Series Book 3) by A.L. Hawke is an amazing story that I have read. This is book number three that I have loved reading. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about witchcraft and paranormal romance.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
December 10, 2023
*4.75 stars:book; 5 stars: audiobook*
This is the third installment of this series. While it can be read as a standalone, you get a better understanding/appreciation for this book; and it is more enjoyable when it is read in order. Although most of what happens in book one and two is pretty much repeated in this one, it was still more enjoyable to me since I read the others first.
I listened to the audiobook using my Kobo plus subscription. Alexa Elmy did another amazing job of bringing this story to life, voicing all the characters and emotions. I have listened to all of the audiobooks for this series and she hasn’t failed to hold my attention once.
As for the story, I was still aggravated with Katie’s stubbornness to fully accept her role and to not be so selfish. In book two she seemed to have accepted being a witch, but she still holds back in this one.
The plot had many twists and turns with situations that have you wondering what happens next, some you expect and some you don’t. I was happy to see that some of the stuff I thought was going to happen wasn’t what I thought.
The ending was great, and while it could be accepted as a HEA for Katie and Bryce, it could also lead to more, especially since the evil witch and her henchman are still alive. Plus…Katie did learn there are many more like her and her coven….
I’m still curious as to why Alondra and her first husband (I’m assuming was Liam) didn’t stay together; and why she chose to be with Bill. I’m also curious as to how Bill went from how he was in “Alondra” to how he was in the first two books of this series. I was shocked that when things got heated between Maddie and Katie at dinner, Maddie’s aunt didn’t reveal her past and connection to them.
I read every book related to (and in) this series so far. I’m excited to read and listen to more of A.L. Hawke’s work.
I received an advanced readers copy via Hidden Gems. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the third installment of this series. While it can be read as a standalone, you get a better understanding/appreciation for this book; and it is more enjoyable when it is read in order. Although most of what happens in book one and two is pretty much repeated in this one, it was still more enjoyable to me since I read the others first.
I listened to the audiobook using my Kobo plus subscription. Alexa Elmy did another amazing job of bringing this story to life, voicing all the characters and emotions. I have listened to all of the audiobooks for this series and she hasn’t failed to hold my attention once.
As for the story, I was still aggravated with Katie’s stubbornness to fully accept her role and to not be so selfish. In book two she seemed to have accepted being a witch, but she still holds back in this one.
The plot had many twists and turns with situations that have you wondering what happens next, some you expect and some you don’t. I was happy to see that some of the stuff I thought was going to happen wasn’t what I thought.
The ending was great, and while it could be accepted as a HEA for Katie and Bryce, it could also lead to more, especially since the evil witch and her henchman are still alive. Plus…Katie did learn there are many more like her and her coven….
I’m still curious as to why Alondra and her first husband (I’m assuming was Liam) didn’t stay together; and why she chose to be with Bill. I’m also curious as to how Bill went from how he was in “Alondra” to how he was in the first two books of this series. I was shocked that when things got heated between Maddie and Katie at dinner, Maddie’s aunt didn’t reveal her past and connection to them.
I read every book related to (and in) this series so far. I’m excited to read and listen to more of A.L. Hawke’s work.
I received an advanced readers copy via Hidden Gems. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2022
One sentence review: A great finale in this action-packed witchy trilogy!
*My overall rating for the whole series is 4 stars*
'The Hawthorne Witch' was the perfect ending to a great trilogy! It didn't disappoint with its witchy themes, and the narrative exceeded my expectations.
My only downside to book three was it was again fairly repetitive - I know this is also meant to be a standalone novel, but I would highly recommend any readers give at least book two a read first. It was quite annoying rereading what happened in the last book, especially because I read them one after another.
On the positives, the action wasn't lacking in this as it had in the first book and the build-up was intense. You are constantly doubting your own predictions with this book because it's hard to tell what is around the corner. And when you think you've reached the peak of the action, Hawke chucks something unexpected in there which makes it more exciting. I also liked the introduction of another supernatural being - it would be interesting to have a spinoff novel based on this character and how they got involved with witches as an extra short story.
Overall, this witchy trilogy didn't disappoint! It was a very interesting read and well worth a go if you like paranormal themes and feeling a bit weirded out.
*My overall rating for the whole series is 4 stars*
'The Hawthorne Witch' was the perfect ending to a great trilogy! It didn't disappoint with its witchy themes, and the narrative exceeded my expectations.
My only downside to book three was it was again fairly repetitive - I know this is also meant to be a standalone novel, but I would highly recommend any readers give at least book two a read first. It was quite annoying rereading what happened in the last book, especially because I read them one after another.
On the positives, the action wasn't lacking in this as it had in the first book and the build-up was intense. You are constantly doubting your own predictions with this book because it's hard to tell what is around the corner. And when you think you've reached the peak of the action, Hawke chucks something unexpected in there which makes it more exciting. I also liked the introduction of another supernatural being - it would be interesting to have a spinoff novel based on this character and how they got involved with witches as an extra short story.
Overall, this witchy trilogy didn't disappoint! It was a very interesting read and well worth a go if you like paranormal themes and feeling a bit weirded out.
January 11, 2021
🌀🌀ONE TANTALIZING WILD RIDE🌀🌀
Busting britches! Hawke delivers one helluva smackdown with tumultuous tilt-a-world, laying down fire and dispatching foes, dishing out some brutal facts, ruthless lessons and relentless drive, hooking you from the start and holding steady until the end, propelling this jewel to staggering heights. Chicanery and difficulty descend in a flurry of shrewd strategy and cunning maneuvers, observing the arduous struggles and thrilling triumphs while exposing the shocking twists and wicked turns, scattered boundaries and broken perimeters solidify as limitations are relaxed and exploited, booting this jewel into a tailspin with astonishing impacts, bursting this baby to life flawlessly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Hawke, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
Busting britches! Hawke delivers one helluva smackdown with tumultuous tilt-a-world, laying down fire and dispatching foes, dishing out some brutal facts, ruthless lessons and relentless drive, hooking you from the start and holding steady until the end, propelling this jewel to staggering heights. Chicanery and difficulty descend in a flurry of shrewd strategy and cunning maneuvers, observing the arduous struggles and thrilling triumphs while exposing the shocking twists and wicked turns, scattered boundaries and broken perimeters solidify as limitations are relaxed and exploited, booting this jewel into a tailspin with astonishing impacts, bursting this baby to life flawlessly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Hawke, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.
e-arcs
December 12, 2020I can't rightfully give this book a star rating as I had to push myself through 25% of it and I still decided to DNF.
This book is marketed (on Amazon) as being part of a series, but able to be read standalone...well, be prepared to be confused jumping into this one without reading the other two books first. I definitely was! There seems to be a lot of backstory that gets missed.
So, why did I DNF, you may ask...
The driving force behind the bit of plot I trudged through is Cadence's relationship with her boyfriend, Bryce...and don't get me wrong, I love a good romance novel, but when the MC is immature/childish and entitled, it just all felt off. I really hoped for more driving the story (I mean, come on...witches! I love a good witchy story) and because of the qualities of Cadence, I just couldn't bring myself to push past 25%.
I mean, the cover art is gorgeous though...so there's that at least?
Thank you to AL Hawke via LibraryThing for providing an e-arc for me to read and review honestly. I am sorry I didn't enjoy it.
This book is marketed (on Amazon) as being part of a series, but able to be read standalone...well, be prepared to be confused jumping into this one without reading the other two books first. I definitely was! There seems to be a lot of backstory that gets missed.
So, why did I DNF, you may ask...
The driving force behind the bit of plot I trudged through is Cadence's relationship with her boyfriend, Bryce...and don't get me wrong, I love a good romance novel, but when the MC is immature/childish and entitled, it just all felt off. I really hoped for more driving the story (I mean, come on...witches! I love a good witchy story) and because of the qualities of Cadence, I just couldn't bring myself to push past 25%.
I mean, the cover art is gorgeous though...so there's that at least?
Thank you to AL Hawke via LibraryThing for providing an e-arc for me to read and review honestly. I am sorry I didn't enjoy it.
March 11, 2021
This is book 3 and honestly this was the 1st book that I across in the Hawthorne University Series as an ARC copy.
The author was amazing and on request sent me the 1st two books as well so that I could review all 3 of them.
The best parts of the book were:
1. Can be read as a standalone if you're the kinds who doesn't mind missing the background.
2. The plots & sub-plots are beautifully interwoven
The bad parts:
1. Katies frustrates me to the hilt, there are times that I want to shake her
2. A lot of material from books 1 & 2 are repeated
3. The book becomes predictable.
Series rating would be a 4 star but Book 3 rating will not be more than a 3 star rating.
Thank you Vibebookreviews and A.L.Hawke for giving me the opportunity to review this book. This is my honest feedback.
The author was amazing and on request sent me the 1st two books as well so that I could review all 3 of them.
The best parts of the book were:
1. Can be read as a standalone if you're the kinds who doesn't mind missing the background.
2. The plots & sub-plots are beautifully interwoven
The bad parts:
1. Katies frustrates me to the hilt, there are times that I want to shake her
2. A lot of material from books 1 & 2 are repeated
3. The book becomes predictable.
Series rating would be a 4 star but Book 3 rating will not be more than a 3 star rating.
Thank you Vibebookreviews and A.L.Hawke for giving me the opportunity to review this book. This is my honest feedback.
March 24, 2023
Of the entire series, I was the most conflicted about this one. It has a great ending, & the character development is fantastic. I feel like I know several of the leading characters.
On the other side, some of the evil in the book was just too much for me, & my emotional response made parts hard to read. I would personally keep this away from anyone under 16; more due to the dark evil than the adult content.
Author Hawke must be a very deep & complicated person!
At least we did get a somewhat satisfying engaging ending. The author left it wide open for a sequel, as EVIL arch villain Enora still lives.
I really get the impression that this author is extremely intelligent.
All & all, I'm really glad I had the opportunity to read this series.
I received a copy of this book at no charge, and I'm leaving an honest review.
On the other side, some of the evil in the book was just too much for me, & my emotional response made parts hard to read. I would personally keep this away from anyone under 16; more due to the dark evil than the adult content.
Author Hawke must be a very deep & complicated person!
At least we did get a somewhat satisfying engaging ending. The author left it wide open for a sequel, as EVIL arch villain Enora still lives.
I really get the impression that this author is extremely intelligent.
All & all, I'm really glad I had the opportunity to read this series.
I received a copy of this book at no charge, and I'm leaving an honest review.
May 30, 2023
Audiobook: Book 3 of "The Hawthorne University Witch Series" was as thrilling as the first two. Cadence Hawthorne wanted to get into Hawthorne's graduate program to stay with her boyfriend, but life for Cadence wasn't easy. As Cadence faced all the travails in her life, the reader was taken on an emotional roller coaster. Darker themes were presented and explored in this tale as more diverse sects of witchcraft were involved. Alexa Elmy's narration was entertaining, and her performance added to the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook through Spotify, and I have posted this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2021
Katie (Candence) has plenty of challenges thrown at her in this book, luckily she has her boyfriend Bryce to help her, and her coven. Unfortunately there is a wicked coven (Abaddon) with a nasty leader, Enora, who seems to be out to stir up trouble for Katie. Can Katie work out how to gain the advantage? Who will suffer along the way? I enjoyed this interesting story, it had plenty of angst, although I sometimes was a bit frustrated with Katie (although I liked her, her boyfriend and her coven)
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
January 6, 2021
Katie, Bryce and their coven have to fight another coven to save the town and the witches in their coven. Betrayal, murder and evil witches plot against Katie, the Hawthorne Witch, in this thrilling and exciting story. Interesting read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2021
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers. The book was good.. but a little bit predictable
March 24, 2025
Maybe 3 1/2 stars. The setting was good. The main character was a bit irritating. She was probably written realistically but she grated.
December 16, 2020
After reading the first 2 books in the series I was anxiously waiting for this one...
But I found it hard to read. Extremely narrative. It was listed as stand alone because it rehashed a lot of the first 2 books....
The story line was good and I really think this should be the last book in the series.
We find Cadence struggling with her academics being the last year of university and she is trying to get into a graduate program because Bryce is going to be a professor at Hawthorne but her attention to her studies takes a back seat to her coven.
It took me so long to review because I had to think about my review for this book. I enjoyed the book but it wasn't as good as the first 2...if you can get past all the flash backs to the first 2 then it would have been a 4 star book. One reason not a 5 star is that I thought Cadence would mature at least a little since she is in her last year of university.
The cover art is amazing as it was with the first 2!
Thank you to A.L. Hawke for allowing me to ready an advanced digital copy of this book for an honest and open opinion.
But I found it hard to read. Extremely narrative. It was listed as stand alone because it rehashed a lot of the first 2 books....
The story line was good and I really think this should be the last book in the series.
We find Cadence struggling with her academics being the last year of university and she is trying to get into a graduate program because Bryce is going to be a professor at Hawthorne but her attention to her studies takes a back seat to her coven.
It took me so long to review because I had to think about my review for this book. I enjoyed the book but it wasn't as good as the first 2...if you can get past all the flash backs to the first 2 then it would have been a 4 star book. One reason not a 5 star is that I thought Cadence would mature at least a little since she is in her last year of university.
The cover art is amazing as it was with the first 2!
Thank you to A.L. Hawke for allowing me to ready an advanced digital copy of this book for an honest and open opinion.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews